All about NEN 3140

In the field of electrical safety, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that electrical installations, devices, and equipment are safe to use. NEN 3140 provides the framework for this.

According to NEN 3140, individuals must be formally designated in writing by the highest responsible person in the organization. Read all about the designations of the Installation Manager, Work Manager, Skilled Person, and Sufficiently Instructed Person (VOP).

The Installation Manager (IV) is responsible for the safety of electrical installations and the designation of other officials. The Work Manager (WV) is responsible for safety during work activities.

A skilled person has at least a lower education in electrical engineering or equivalent and is proficient in the field. The VP is allowed to perform electrical work independently.

Sufficiently instructed persons are non-electrical personnel who may perform limited electrical work, provided they have been instructed on the electrical hazards they may encounter.

NEN 3140 sets requirements for the inspection of electrical installations and work equipment. These must be performed periodically, with the installation manager determining the inspection frequency.

The NEN 3140 inspection of electrical equipment consists of a visual inspection and measurements. Read all about the visual check, the measurements, who is authorized, and frequently asked questions.

After a NEN 3140 inspection, it is common to apply an inspection sticker to the electrical equipment or work tool. This way, it is immediately visible when the equipment was last inspected and when the next inspection is scheduled. Our vinyl inspection stickers (25 mm) are suitable for all common work tools.

When performing electrical work, the installation or device must be de-energized. There are two variants: de-energizing for electrical work and for non-electrical work. The requirements differ per situation.

For non-electrical work, the aim is to ensure that the device does not start unintentionally. The requirements for this are less strict than for electrical work.

Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) is a safety procedure that prevents machines or installations from being inadvertently switched on during maintenance, cleaning or repair. Mandatory for high-risk work.

Online course for persons to be designated as VOP according to NEN 3140. Concluded with a certificate.

Online course for electricians designated as VP according to NEN 3140. Concluded with a certificate.

Online course for the IV and WV according to NEN 3140. Concluded with a certificate.

Online course on the periodic inspection of electrical equipment according to NEN 3140. Includes inspection checklist in WORD. Concluded with a certificate.

Learn how to safely inspect underground (compacting) containers according to NEN 3140. Includes videos on electrical hazards, circuit protection, and measurements. Online, with VOP certificate.

Online course on the LOTO procedure for safely de-energizing electrical installations. Concluded with a certificate.

Learn how to inspect spreaders according to NEN 3140 in a port environment. Online, with certificate.

Specifically aimed at safe working on reefer stacks in the port according to NEN 3140. Online, with certificate.

Learn how to inspect Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) according to NEN 3140 in a port environment. Online, with certificate.

NEN 3140 is the Dutch standard for the operation of electrical installations and is based on the European standard EN 50110-1. The NEN 3140 standard describes how employers and employees can work safely on and around electrical installations and equipment.

NEN 3140 applies to employers, installation managers (IV), work managers (WV), skilled persons (VP), and sufficiently instructed persons (VOP) who work on or around electrical installations and work equipment in companies and institutions.

No, NEN 3140 is a standard that is copyrighted and can therefore never be legally mandatory. However, the Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree do set requirements for safe working on and around electrical installations and also for periodic inspections.

The inspection frequency is determined by the installation manager (IV) based on the risk class of the installation or work equipment. There is no fixed legal term, but the IV is responsible for a periodic and documented inspection.

NEN 1010 concerns the construction and installation of electrical installations (new build and renovation). NEN 3140 concerns the operation and use of existing electrical installations: safe working, inspections, and designations of persons.

A designation as a Skilled Person (VP) or Sufficiently Instructed Person (VOP) is done in writing by the highest responsible person in the organization. The condition is that the person is demonstrably competent.